In a significant boost to South Africa’s battle against a spreading foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, the first shipment of 1 million doses of Argentine-produced vaccines arrived in Johannesburg on February 21.

The vaccines, manufactured by leading Argentine laboratory Biogénesis Bagó, mark the inaugural export of FMD vaccines from Argentina to South Africa. An additional 5 million doses are slated for delivery in March, according to the Embassy of Argentina in South Africa.

The South African government declared a national disaster due to the expanding FMD outbreak, which threatens livestock industries and trade status. The Argentine Embassy collaborated closely with Biogénesis Bagó over recent months to facilitate the operation. This strategic partnership enables South Africa to roll out a comprehensive vaccination campaign, aiming to regain its FMD-free status and safeguard agricultural exports—including those from Argentina.

Officials hailed the delivery as a timely example of bilateral cooperation in addressing shared sanitary challenges.